Finland and Turku

Welcome to Finland!

Finland is located between East and West, with snowy winters and warm, light-filled summers, Finland offers a number of fascinating contrasts. The country’s population is concentrated in the south, especially around the Helsinki region, which is home to about a million people. At the other end of the country lie the vast unpopulated forests and fells of arctic Lapland. But the scenery also changes on a smaller scale. Water and forests are never far away.

Despite tough competition and increased efficiency, environmental concerns are of ever-increasing importance to the Finnish industry. Modern consumers are concerned about the origins and manufacturing methods of the goods they use. Right now the Finnish forest industry is experiencing a hectic period of fostering new products and business models, with a focus on biofuels and the development of new, wood-based materials.

Finnish schoolchildren have been ranked best in the world as measured by combined learning results in science, mathematics and literacy (PISA, OECD) since the programme started in 2000. One of the Finnish education system’s major strengths is its ability to guarantee the same educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of social or economic background. Instead of competition and comparison, comprehensive school focuses on support and guidance for the students as individuals.

City of Turku

The city of Turku is located on the southwest coast of Finland. Turku was founded the year 1229, making it the oldest city in Finland. Because of its long history it has been the site of many important events and has extensively influencedFinnish history. Along withTallinn, the capital city ofEstonia, Turku was designated theEuropean Capital of Culturefor 2011. Due to its location, Turku is a notable commercial and passengerseaportwith over three million passengers travelling through thePort of Turkueach year toStockholmandMariehamn.